Posted on 08/08/2006 10:13:27 AM PDT by Ready2go
FBI Interested in Large Prepaid Cell Phone Purchases Posted 8/3/2006 06:06 PM
Store clerks in Grafton say people have been coming into their stores and buying several phones at a time. Story by Sarah Kapis Email | Bio
Folks at the Dollar General in Grafton say in the past few days, several men have come into the store attempting to buy large numbers of prepaid phones. However, store policy only allows a customer to buy two phones at a time, in fact, they are locked away from the general public.
The clerks say after they were in the Dollar General, the men went to the Grafton Walmart to try to purchase more of the phones.
Grafton police found one man during a traffic stop. They say he had hundreds of prepaid phones in his car.
There is no word on what the men planned to do with the phones or why they bought so many, but the incident was later turned over to the FBI for an investigation.
The owner of Country Roads Communications says the allure of the prepaid phones is the freedom that come with them. However, the FBI is not ready to say that the phones are being used for illegal or criminal purposes.
"Prepaids are hard to track, so they're used alot for illegal operations," said Vince Cafazza.
"We are aware that there are a number of purchases throughout the state. Large purchases of trac phones. We are interested in the purchases because they are unusual," said Dan Caldwell, FBI special agent. "We also understand that a number of the larger stores in the area are aware of the purchases. We are not aware of any criminal activity associated with the purchases at this point."
Caldwell says if you notice someone trying to buy large quantities of these type of phones, you can contact your local police or the FBI.
"And if I tell them it's legal and none of their business? After all, it isn't...
"
You can tell them that, but I doubt they'll be satisfied. They'll probably investigate further, but without your cooperation.
If you tell them what you intend to use the cell phones for, then they might be satisfied and drop the matter, if your reason makes any sense.
I'd be really, really interested in hearing what reason somone might give for buying 100 cell phones at retail prices. I can't think of any.
If, as you state, most Americans don't care that we are at war those who wish to harm us do understand that they are at war and will take basic steps to keep what they are doing below the radar.
Buying 100 prepaids in one transaction isn't something those at war with us would do.
See post # 67--you have illegals, pre-paid cell phones, batteries, GPS and a laptop--do you think this just might bring a bit of suspicion to the the minds of THINKING people?
Correction: I meant "you make $25".
If there is a dollar to be made, enterprising people go to great lengths to obtain it. Look at cigarettes. Look at drugs, legal and illegal. How many viagra emails do you receive a day?
I understood the post. I was disagreeing with the sentiment behind it. I get in my car and drive all over DC and 100 miles around. I love pawn shops. I shop for cameras, computer stuff, jewelry for my wife and family, watches for me, or anything I can use and/or turn for a dollar. I don't need any more money, I just like to do it.
I have been looking around in the past few minutes and have found several ways to make money off prepaid cellphones. Hmmmm. My daughter needs something to do...
They already track such purchases in many locals. In some states, that is considered an arsenal and you will be in deep do do if you have that much ammo on hand.
Thank God Iowa isn't one of them.
One might make a similar comment about guys who wanted flying lessons, but not landing lessons. You do recall that story, I'm sure...?
Thanks redgolum
Of course, burglars looking to dispose of loot do similar things. A guy who visits multiple pawnshops with a carful of random goods does, in fact, invite suspicion. Your case is easy to check by inspection, since you're only buying.
However, it is not clear by inspection that the fellow buying large numbers of pre-paid phones is engaged in innocent pursuits. He may be -- but there are also reasonable grounds for suspicion that he is not.
I seem to recall, for example, that purchases of pre-paid cell phones shot up very soon after the NYT published its "terrorist phone tap" story -- a rather uncomfortable coincidence that is quite germane to our discussion today.
I'm just as "suspicious" as the next guy. I'm just not overly paranoid. I am blessed with reasonable intelligence, and have survived almost 59 years. I've had the pleasure of dodging bullets, thanks.
I have no doubts we will see another terrorist do something within our borders. It may even be big, in casualty numbers. One is too many. I posit the OBL crowd has already succeeded beyond their dreams. They have crippled a once might giant... in the name of political correctness.
We can easily win our wars, All we need to do is remove the enemy! I guess to do that, we need ot keep the WalMart cellphones away from the streets of NYC!
A boss wants to give his employees a gift.
I used to be connnected to a large family. 100 people were often in attendance at family gatherings, and host gifts in this dollar range were not uncommon. If it were my turn, I'd definitely go wholesale, like you.
Anyway, why would I have to explain a legal purchase of a legal item.
Besides, programming a prepaid requires either a computer to do over the internet (IP traceable) or via landline (number traceable). It sure would not be as hard to track these phones as many make it seem. If I were up to something nefarious, I would make a bulk purchase through a regular provideer using an assumed name/ID, etc. It's less traceable that way imho.
How many bombs have been detonated in the USA with a cell phone? How many cell phones are active in the USA?
"OK, citizens, hand me your papers as you enter the railroad car for Auschwitz, where you will recieve a cleansing shower." Yep, all for the common good, eh?
Talk about disconnect!!! My mentioning that we are at war means people should be sent to concentration camps??
Quite a stretch (at least to sane people) from "Excuse me sir, why would you want 100 cell phones" to Auschwitz.
Shheesh.....please - take your meds while there is still time.
I have given lots of thought to the issue. I do not feel any response was unwarranted nor unhinged.
Thanks.
It's a whole new world out there.
Why should the terrorists be careful - there are plenty of people on this forum who think no one should raise an eyebrow. So what do they need to worry about?
Most of the time, I pay cash for my purchases. "Your" cop stop would require me to explain it's source! That is the mentality of a crook, or a cop! There is often little difference in them. After all, in our modern society, politician is just another word for lying leech!
"Besides, programming a prepaid requires either a computer to do over the internet (IP traceable) or via landline (number traceable). It sure would not be as hard to track these phones as many make it seem. If I were up to something nefarious, I would make a bulk purchase through a regular provideer using an assumed name/ID, etc. It's less traceable that way imho."
These folks would only need to use their phone once...in every large mall across the USA & the cell phone served it's purpose.
Not a stretch at all, they are both the government infringing on peoples rights in a totalitarian fashion. Where does it all end?
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